Illuminated sign



y 1939- c. w. BRADY ET AL 2,165,835

ILLUMINATED SIGN Filed Oct. 4, 1938 INVENTORS CLARE W. BRADY RAY J. ROBINSON onzo Rov w J ATTORNEYS Patented July 11, 1939 UNITED STATES 2,165,835 moms-mp SIGN Clare w. Brady. West Los Angeles, and Ray J. Robinson, Los Angeles, Calif.

Application October 4, 1938, Serial No. 233,184

'1 Claim.

large and small-and throughout the civilized world-to advertise business. Vast sums of money have been expended in the manufacture, installation and maintenance of these signs. And, due to the natural increment of commercial activities, the industry continues to move forward unrelentlessly.

Generically, the present invention contemplates the provision of an illuminated sign which is marked by extreme simplicity of structure, economy of manufacture and operation and the readiness with which characters, designs or other features constituting the sign may be'seen, despite the angle of display.

To the accomplishment of the recited object and others co-ordinate therewith, one embodi-. ment' of our invention resides in the construction and arrangement of parts hereinafter described, illustrated in the accompanying drawing and embodied in the scope of the appended claim.

In said drawing, Fig. l is a front elevation-of a sign embodying the invention.

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section along lines 22 of Fig. 1. 1

Fig. 3 is an enlarged detail of a portion of the plane], the lens and locking collar, in side eleva- Fig. 4 is a transverse section on lines 4-l of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view. of the lens and collar removed from the panel.

Fig. 6 is a topplan view of a modified form of locking collar.

Fig. 7 is a section along lines 'I-'I of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary section of the panel illustrating another modification of the lens looking collar, and I Fig. 9 is a section on lines 9-9 of Fig. 8.

With more particular reference to the drawing, Ill designates any suitable support, which will be styled a panel, and which is adapted to serve as a background for the layout of any characters, designs, etc., which may comprise the make-up of the display. As an example, in Fig. 1 appears the outlines of three letters E N" Y.

Each letter, symbol, or the like, includes a plurality of lenses disposed at convenient distances apart, in delineation of the particular character-- and with respect to the type of leris taken in conjunction with its fastening means therefor herein lies one of the outstanding features of a the invention. Relative to the lens per se, as best seen in Figs. 3, 4 and 5, it is illustrated at H and embodies a'rotund-like or globular solid head l2 with atubular shank Ill-these components being integral and preferably formed of translucent glass, Catlin, Lucite or any similar light-diffusing medium.

The lens I l is designed for insertion in the opening ll of the panel l and protrudes therethrbugh on either side-the base of the head resting, to a nicety against the wall of the perforation, the head itself jutting out in bold relief exteriorly of the panel, and the shank extending to the rear. At first blush, it may appear to the uninitiated that the length of the shank is excessive, but there is a definite reason for this, namely, the thicknesses of the panels vary and by elongating the shank, compensation is made for the thicknessvariance factor which obtains within the normal range of panels. Another point in connection with the shank is therelative thinness of its wall, in other words, the wall I is constructed of just suflicient thickness to withstand the cooperative action of its fastening'means -a full explanation of which will now be given.

Ada ted to be constrained over the periphery .of the shank, the latter occupying the position exhibited in Fig. 4, is a collar or ring I6, preferably constructed of metal and including a flat rim l1, and an inner annular, ofiset flange l8. ,Rim l'l, bears-against the inner wall of panel I0, while the distal, knife-like edge l9 offlange l8 bites into the outer surface of the shank, thus effectively precluding loosening or displacement of the lens. Obviously, it is essential that edge I! of the collar should fit exceedingly snug with regard to the shank-there should be only enough latitude to barely permit, the collar to be forced over the shank.

A modification of the particular type of looking collar is shown in Figs. 6 and 7, wherein the oflfset I8 is radially split at equidistantly spaced nal 22 serves to sustain the locking unit in place. After the assembly has been completed, whether it be in relation to a conventional sign, an awning or marquise, a source of light 24 is properly positioned in the rear. In turn, the light rays are transmitted through the tubular shanks and heads of the lenses;. the hollow char 'acteristic of the shanks making a light-ray way whereby the rays reach the heads with substantially their most brilliant intensity and are then diffused in all directions to a superlative degree. Each lens-head virtually has the appearance of being surrounded by a halo or corona, and collectively they can be clearly and definitely seen in true delineation at remote distances and diverse angles.

The brilliancy of the sign may be enhanced in various ways, as by providing a white or similar background immediately adjacent the lenses; or, if desired, an effect which is kind to the eyes may be produced by tinting the lenses-or coloring the source of light.

The collar or ring it and the spiral spring 2| effect contractible inherently resilient fastening elements for use with the lens, each encircling the shank rearwardly of the panel for frictionally gripping the outer surface of the shank and contacting with the rear face of the panel entirely about the opening therein.

modification it will appear manifest that termi- Recapitulating, it will be se n that we produced a sign which is especially meritorious because of its extreme inherent simplicity; because of its low cost of production and operation; and because it difluses light 'to the best possible advantage.

In its. broader aspects the invention comprehends the employment not only of the means described, but of equivalent means for performing the recited functions. It is desired to reserve the right to eflect such changes as may come fairly within the scope of the appended claim.

We claim:

A lens fitting for a sign having a panel of a determined thickness provided with an opening entirely through the same, comprising a lens body having an elongated shank of a length considerably greater than the thickness of the panel for adjustably fitting the opening in the latter and extending beyond the rear face of said panel,

said shank being of uniform cross-sectional diameter throughout for presenting an even outer surface, and a contractible inherently resilient fastening element completely encircling the shank rearwardly of the panel for frictionally gripping the outer surface of said shank and contacting with the rear face of the panel entirely about the opening therein.

CLARE W; BRADY. RAY J. ROBINSON. 

